Self-reparable semiconductor and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A self-reparable semiconductor includes multiple functional units that perform the same function and that include sub-functional units. The semiconductor includes one or more full or partial spare functional units that are integrated into the semiconductor. If a defect in a sub-functional unit is detected, then that sub-functional unit is switched out and replaced with a sub-functional unit in the full or partial spare functional unit. The reconfiguration is realized with switching devices that are associated with the sub-functional units. Defective functional or sub-functional units can be detected after assembly, during power up, periodically during operation, and/or manually.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/358,709, filed on Feb. 5, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,225,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/430,199,filed on Dec. 2, 2002. This application also claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/531,023, filed on Dec. 18, 2003. Thedisclosures of the above applications are all incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semiconductors, and more particularlyto a self-reparable semiconductor with multiple functional units thatperform the same function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An increasing trend in the semiconductor industry is to highly integratean integrated circuit multiple times. For example, the semiconductor mayinclude multiple generally independent functional units that perform thesame function. Each functional unit has the same sub-functional units.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a semiconductor 8 includes M generallyindependent functional units 10-1, 10-2, . . . , and 10-M (collectivelyreferred to as functional units 10) that perform the same high levelfunction. Each functional unit 10 includes the same N sub-functionalunits. For example, the functional unit 10-1 includes sub-functionalunits 11, 21, 31, . . . , and N1. The functional unit 10-2 includessub-functional units 12, 22, 32, . . . , and N2. The functional unit10-M includes sub-functional units 1M, 2M, 3M, . . . , and NM. Thesub-functional units in a row perform the same low level function.Typically, there are no connections between the functional units otherthan ground and power. There are, however, connections between thesub-functional units in a functional unit. The connections may beone-way or two-way and may include one or more connecting wires.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary functional unit may be a Gigabitphysical layer device 70. For example, four or eight Gigabit physicallayer devices may be fabricated on the semiconductor. The physical layerdevice 70 includes a first sub-functional unit 74 that performs physicalcoding sub-layer (PQS), FCT, and Decision Feedback Sequence Estimation(DFSE) functions. A second sub-functional unit 76 implements a finiteimpulse response (FIR) filter function. A third sub-functional unit 78performs echo and near end crosstalk (NEXT) functions. Fourth and fifthsub-functional units 80 and 84 implement digital and analog front end(AFE) functions, respectively.

If the yield for each individual functional unit is 90%, then the yieldfor the semiconductor with x identical functional units is (0.9)^(x).For example, if a semiconductor includes eight functional units eachhaving a yield of 90%, the yield of the semiconductor is 43%, which isnot an acceptable yield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-reparable semiconductor comprises a first functional unitincluding first, second, and third sub-functional units that cooperateto perform a first function. The first sub-functional unit communicateswith at least one of the second and/or third sub-functional units andthe second sub-functional unit communicates with at least one of thefirst and/or third sub-functional units. A first spare functional unitincludes first, second, and third sub-functional units. The first,second, and third sub-functional units of the first functional unit andthe first spare functional unit, respectively, are functionallyinterchangeable. Switching devices communicate with the first, second,and third sub-functional units of the first functional unit and thefirst spare functional unit and replace at least one of the first,second, and third sub-functional units of the first functional unit withat least one of the first, second, and third sub-functional units of thefirst spare functional unit when the at least one of the first, second,and third sub-functional units of the first functional unit isinoperable.

In other features, a controller identifies at least one inoperablesub-functional unit on the self-reparable semiconductor and generatesconfiguration data for configuring the switching devices to replace theat least one inoperable sub-functional unit. The controller is locatedon the self-reparable semiconductor. The controller is located off ofthe self-reparable semiconductor. Memory that is located on theself-reparable semiconductor stores the configuration data for theswitching devices.

In still other features, the first functional unit and the first sparefunctional unit are laid out in one of columns and rows on theself-reparable semiconductor and the first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of the first functional unit and the first sparefunctional unit are laid out in the other of columns and rows. A secondfunctional unit that includes first, second, and third sub-functionalunits. The first, second, and third sub-functional units of the firstand second functional units, respectively, are functionallyinterchangeable. The first spare functional unit is located one ofbetween the first and second functional units and adjacent to one of thefirst or the second functional units.

In still other features, the first, second, and first spare functionalunits are laid out in one of columns and rows on the self-reparablesemiconductor and the first, second, and third sub-functional units ofthe first, second, and first spare functional units are laid out in theother of columns and rows. At least one of the switching devicesincludes a multiplexer that receives y inputs and selectively outputsone of the y inputs. The multiplexer receives output signals from first,second, and third sub-functional units that are functionallyinterchangeable. At least one of the switching devices includes firstand second switches that receive an input and that selectively outputthe input based on first and second control signals, respectively.

The switching devices include at least one of analog and digitalswitching devices. The analog switching devices are current-based.Signals that are communicated between the first and third sub-functionalunits of at least one of the first functional unit and the first sparefunctional unit are routed through the second sub-functional unit of theat least one of the first functional unit and/or the first sparefunctional unit.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a semiconductor includingmultiple functional units each with sub-functional units according tothe prior art;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary functional unit fora Gigabit physical layer device according to the prior art;

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of an on-chip controller thatcommands the switching devices and optionally includes a test/faultdetection circuit;

FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram of an off-chip controller thatcommands the switching devices and optionally includes a test/faultdetection circuit;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary self-reparablesemiconductor including a spare functional unit that replaces anon-operable functional unit according-to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a second exemplaryself-reparable semiconductor with a spare functional unit that replacesone or more non-operable sub-functional units according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary self-reparablesemiconductor including a spare functional unit located at one endaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplaryself-reparable semiconductor including a partial spare functional unitaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a fifth exemplary self-reparablesemiconductor including two partial spare functional units located inthe middle according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a sixth exemplary self-reparablesemiconductor including two partial spare functional units located atone end according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a seventh exemplaryself-reparable semiconductor including a partial spare functional unitand multiplexed switching devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an eighth exemplaryself-reparable semiconductor including multiple functional units eachwith sub-functional units, two partial spare functional units andmultiplexed switching devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating steps for replacing non-operablesub-functional units with sub-functional units in a single sparefunctional unit;

FIG. 13 is an example of a summing node switch;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a semiconductor includingfunctional units with first and second sub-functional units thatcommunicate and first and third sub-functional units that communicateaccording to the prior art;

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary eight-portself-reparable semiconductor including a spare functional unit thatreplaces one or more inoperable sub-functional units according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary eight-portself-reparable semiconductor including a spare functional unit thatreplaces one or more inoperable sub-functional units;

FIG. 17 illustrates a semiconductor that includes functional units withfirst, second, and third sub-functional units, switching devices, inputand output pads, and established signal paths between sub-functionalunits according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary three portself-reparable semiconductor that includes a spare functional unit andswitching devices between sub-functional units, inputs pads, and outputpads;

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of three functional units of aself-reparable semiconductor including multiplexer switching devicesbetween respective first and second sub-functional units;

FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of three functional units of aself-reparable semiconductor including multiplexer and dual switchswitching devices between respective first sub-functional units andinput pads;

FIG. 21 is a table that illustrates control signal combinations forswitching devices between respective first sub-functional units andinput pads and between respective third sub-functional units and outputpads;

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of three functional units of aself-reparable semiconductor including dual switch switching devicesbetween respective third sub-functional units and output pads;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are functional block diagrams of a system, forlocating inoperable sub-functional units and a trimming circuit,respectively;

FIG. 24 is a table that illustrates fuse mapping in a semiconductorverification process for a self-reparable semiconductor according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a table that illustrates trimming signals for identifyinginoperable sub-functional units in a functional unit;

FIG. 26 is a table that illustrates functions for determining controlsignal values for switching devices in a self-reparable semiconductor;

FIG. 27 is a table that illustrates signal flow between sub-functionalunits and input and/or output pads and values of switching devicecontrol signals based on SKIP_* and PORT_SLICE signals;

FIG. 28 is a table that illustrates downward signal flow between firstand second sub-functional units and first and third sub-functional unitsand values of switching device control signals based on SKIP_TOP,SKIP_BOT, and PORT_SLICE signals;

FIG. 29 is a table that illustrates upward signal flow between third andfirst sub-functional units and second and first sub-functional units andvalues of switching device control signals based on SKIP_TOP, SKIP_BOT,and PORT_SLICE signals; and

FIG. 30 is a functional block diagram of shift registers for functionalunits that are used to verify signal paths between sub-functional unitsand between sub-functional units and input and/or output pads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same referencenumbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.

A self-reparable semiconductor according to the present inventionincludes one or more full or partial spare functional units. If a defectin a functional unit or a sub-functional unit is detected, then thatfunctional unit or sub-functional unit is switched out and replaced witha functional unit or sub-functional unit in the full or partial sparefunctional unit. The reconfiguration is realized with switching devicesthat may be integrated with or separate from the functional orsub-functional units.

Defective functional or sub-functional units can be detected afterassembly, during power up, periodically during operation, and/ormanually. While the present invention will be described in conjunctionwith specific examples, skilled artisans will appreciate that eachsemiconductor may include any number of functional units that performthe same high-level function. The functional units may include anynumber of common sub-functional units.

In addition, while specific switching devices and arrangements areshown, the specific switching devices and arrangements that will be usedwill depend upon the particular implementation, details of theparticular functional and/or sub-functional units and other normaldesign criteria. Similar or different types of switching devices may beused on the same semiconductor to replace the non-operable functionaland/or sub-functional units. When the connecting wires betweensub-functional units carry analog signals, analog switching is performedwhich preferably employs current-switching devices, generally for analogoutput signals and summing node switching for analog input signals. Suchswitching devices have several advantages over voltage-based switchingdevices such as reduced attenuation, lower impedance and lowerdistortion. FIG. 13 shows an example of summing node switching. Summingnode switching provides for input analog signals, which may be greaterthan Vdd or negative. In contrast to voltage mode'switching, voltagesignals greater than Vdd or negative may cause the switching transistorto become forward biased. A further explanation of active summingdevices may be found in commonly assigned application Ser. No.09/629,092, filed: Jul. 31, 2000 and entitled “Active Resistance SummerFor A Transformer Hybrid”, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Digital switching devices may be employed for connecting wires carryingdigital signals. These type of switches include for example, standardlogic devices, gates, muxes, transistors and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a semiconductor 86 of each of the embodimentscan include a controller 88 that is located on-chip and thatcommunicates with the switching devices 90 and the sub-functional units92. A test or fault identification circuit 94 identifies non-operablesub-functional units 92 and generates configuration data. The controller88 commands the switching devices 90 to replace the non-operablesub-functional units 92 as previously described. The controller 88 mayexecute a built-in self test mode after assembly, during power up,periodically during operation, and/or manually.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a semiconductor 86 of each of the embodimentscan include a controller 96 that is located off-chip and that isremovably connected to on-chip memory 98, such as non-volatile memory.The memory 98 stores configuration data defining switch positions forthe switching devices 90. The controller 96 is connected to thesub-functional units 92 and detects and/or tests for failures. Thecontroller 96 uses the test results to define the configuration datathat is then stored in the memory 98. When powered on, theconfiguration-data is used to configure the sub-functional units 92. Ascan be appreciated, there are a variety of other ways to implement theswitching devices. For example, fuses, such as laser fuses oranti-fuses, can be used to make and/or break connections to replacefunctional units and/or sub-functional units. External pins or dipswitches can also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a spare functional unit 10-S is fabricated on asemiconductor 90 in addition to the functional units 10-1, 10-2, . . . ,and 10-6. In addition, switching devices 94 are located at inputs andoutputs of some or all of the sub-functional units. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the spare functional unit 10-S islocated between the functional units 10. As can be appreciated, however,the spare functional unit 10-S can be located in any position on thesemiconductor 100. For example, the spare functional unit 10-S can belocated to the left or right of any of the functional units 10.

The switching devices 94 and the spare functional unit 10-S allow thesemiconductor 90 to replace non-operable functional units 10-1, 10-2,10-3, 10-4, 10-5 and/or 10-6. In the example in FIG. 4, the sparefunctional unit 10-S allows any number of sub-functional units in onefunctional unit to fail. By allowing the replacement of non-operablefunctional units, the yield of the semiconductor 90 is significantlyimproved. If one or any combination of the sub-functional units 11, 21,31, and/or 41 in the functional unit 10-1 fail (as shown bycross-hatched shading), the switches 94 are reconfigured to replace thenon-operable sub-functional units 11, 21, 31, and 41 with thesub-functional units in the spare functional unit 10-S.

For example, if the sub-functional unit 11 is non-operable, the inputs92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 to the sub-functional units 11, 12, and 13 areshifted one functional unit to the right by switches 94-1, 94-2, 94-3,and 94-4. The outputs 92-4, 92-5, and 92-6 of the'sub-functional units42, 43, and 4S are shifted one functional unit to the left by switches94-5, 94-6, 94-7, and 94-8.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 12, 22, 32, and 42. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 13, 23, 33, and 43. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 1S, 2S, 3S, and 4S. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 24, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 25, 35,and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functional units 16,26, 36, and 46. This exemplary embodiment allows replacement on afunctional unit basis only.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a spare functional unit 10-S is fabricated on asemiconductor 100 in addition to the functional units 10-1, 10-2, . . ., and 10-6. In addition, switching devices 104 are located at inputs andoutputs of the sub-functional units. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, the spare functional unit 10-S is located betweenthe functional units 10. The switching devices 104 and the sparefunctional unit 10-S allow the semiconductor 100 to replace non-operablesub-functional units in the functional units 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4,10-5 and/or 10-6. In the example in FIG. 5, the spare functional unit10-S allows one sub-functional unit in each row to fail. By allowing thereplacement of non-operable sub-functional units, the yield of thesemiconductor 100 is significantly improved. This exemplary embodimentallows replacement on a functional unit or a sub-functional unit basisand/or replacement-of multiple sub-functional units in differentfunctional units. If the sub-functional units 11, 31 and 26 fail (asshown in shading), the switches 104 are reconfigured to replace thenon-operable sub-functional units 11, 31 and 26 with sub-functionalunits 15, 35 and 25, respectively, in the spare functional unit 10-S.

The non-operable sub-functional unit 11 is replaced as follows: Theinputs 106-1,106-2, and 106-3 to the sub-functional units 11, 12, and-13are shifted one functional unit to the right by switches 104-1, 104-2,104-3, and 104-4. The outputs 106-4, 106-5, and 106-6 of thesub-functional units 12, 13, and 1S are shifted one functional unit tothe left by switches 104-5, 104-6, 104-7, and 104-8. The non-operablesub-functional unit 13 is replaced in a similar manner.

The non-operable sub-functional unit 26 is replaced as follows: Theoutputs 106-7, 106-8, and 106-9 of the sub-functional units 14, 15, and16 are shifted one functional unit to the left by switches 104-8, 104-9,104-10, and 104-11. The outputs 106-10, 106-11, and 106-12 of thesub-functional units 2S, 24, and 25 are shifted one functional unit tothe right by switches 104-12,104-13, 104-14, and 104-15.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 12, 21, 32, and 41. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 13, 22, 33, and 42. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 1S, 23, 3S, and 43. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 2S, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 24, 35,and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functional units 16,25, 36, and 46.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a semiconductor 150 includes the sparesub-functional unit 10-S that is located at one end. If thesub-functional unit 21 fails (as shown in shading), the inputs 120-1,120-2, . . . , and 120-6 to the sub-functional units 21, 22, . . . , and26 are shifted one functional unit to the right by switches 124-1,124-2, . . . , and 124-7. The outputs 120-7, 120-8, . . . , and 120-12of the sub-functional units 22, 23, . . . and 2S are shifted onefunctional unit to the left by switches 124-8,124-9, . . . , and 124-14.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 11, 22, 31, and 41. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 12, 23, 32, and 42. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 24, 33, and 43. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 25, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 26, 35,and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functional units 16,2S, 36, and 46.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a semiconductor 160 includes a partial sparesub-functional unit 10-PS that is located at one end. The partial sparesub-functional unit 10-PS includes one or more sub-functional units (forsome but not all of the sub-functional units). For example, the partialsub-functional unit 10-PS includes sub-functional units 2S and 3S butnot 1S or 4S. The partial sub-functional units that are provided may beassociated with sub-functional units that are more likely to have alower yield. By not fabricating the other sub-functional units andswitches, the cost of the semiconductor 160 may be reduced.

If the sub-functional unit 21 fails (as shown in shading), the inputs120-1, 120-2, . . . , and 120-6 to the sub-functional units 21, 22, . .. , and 26 are shifted one functional unit to the right by switches124-1, 124-2, . . . , and 124-6. The outputs 120-7, 120-8, . . . , and120-12 of the sub-functional units 22, 23, . . . and 2S are shifted onefunctional unit to the left by switches 124-8, 124-9, . . . , and124-13.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 11, 22, 31, and 41. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 12, 23, 32, and 42. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 24, 33, and 43. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 25, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 26, 35,and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functional units 16,2S, 36, and 46.

Referring now to FIG. 8, additional full and/or partial spare functionalunits can be provided. For example, a semiconductor 170 in FIG. 8includes two partial spare sub-functional units 10-PS₁ and 10-PS₂. Thefull and/or partial spare sub-functional units 10-PS₁ and 10-PS₂ can belocated adjacent to each other (as shown) or in non-adjacent positions.If the full or partial sub-functional units are located adjacent to eachother, switches 172 switch inputs and/or outputs between two adjacentswitches. For example, the switch 174-1 can switch inputs and/or outputsfrom sub-functional unit 11 to either sub-functional unit 22 or 23.

If the sub-functional units 21 and 22 fail (as shown in-shading), theinputs 172-1, 172-2, 172-3, and 172-4 to the sub-functional units 21,22, 23 and 24 are shifted two functional units to the right by switches174-1, 174-2, . . . , and 174-6. The outputs 172-5, 172-6, . . . , and172-8 of the sub-functional units 23, 24, 2S₁ and 2S₂ are shifted twofunctional units to the left by switches 174-7, 174-8, . . . , and174-12.

If the sub-functional unit 37 fails, the inputs 172-9, 172-10, and172-11 to the sub-functional units 35, 36, and 37 are shifted onefunctional unit to the left by switches 174-12, 174-13, 174-14, and174-15. The outputs 172-12, 172-13, and 172-14 of the sub-functionalunits 3S₂, 35, and 36 are shifted one functional unit to the right byswitches 174-16, 174-17, 174-18, and 174-19.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 11, 23, 31, and 41. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 12, 24, 32, and 42. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 2S₁, 33, and 43. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 2S₂, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 25,3S₂, and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functionalunits 16, 26, 35, and 46. The seventh functional unit 10-7 includessub-functional units 17, 27, 36, and 47.

The semiconductor can also include two or more full and/or partialfunctional units that are located at one end or in any other position.In FIG. 9, two partial spare functional units 10-PS₁ and 10-PS₂ arelocated at one end of a semiconductor 180. If sub-functional units 21and 24 fail (as shown in shading), the switching devices 182 replacethem with sub-functional units 2S₁ and 2S₂ in the spare functional units10-PS₁ and 10PS₂.

After reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1 includessub-functional units 11, 22, 31, and 41. The second functional unit 10-2includes sub-functional units 1-2, 23, 32, and 42. The third functionalunit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 25, 33, and 43. The fourthfunctional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 26, 34, and 44.The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units 15, 27, 35,and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includes sub-functional units 16,2S₁, 36, and 46. The seventh functional unit 10-7 includessub-functional units 17, 2S₂, 37, and 47.

Referring now to FIG. 10, to reduce the complexity of the switchingdevices, the semiconductor 190 includes multiplexed switching devicesthat include multiplexers (M) 192 that receive p input signals and thatoutput 1 to q output signals, where q is less than p. For example, pinput signals can be multiplexed into one output signal.

Alternately, the p input signals can be multiplexed into two or moreoutput signals. For example, eight input signals can be multiplexed intothree output signals. In this example, one input signal is notmultiplexed, for example a high speed signal such as-data signals in theGigabit physical layer device. Two medium speed signals can bemultiplexed into one output signal. The remaining five input signals,which are preferably “slow” signals such as control signals in theGigabit PHY, can be multiplexed into one output signal.

Demultiplexers (D) 194 receive 1 to q input signals and generate poutput signals. The number of inputs and outputs that are multiplexedand demultiplexed will depend upon the particular sub-functional unitsthat communicate with the multiplexers 192 and demultiplexers 194. Bydecreasing the number of connecting wires that need to be switched, theswitching devices can be simplified. The exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 show multiple inputs that are multiplexed to a singleoutput. Based on the preceding discussion, however, skilled artisanswill appreciate that the output of the multiplexer may include one ormore outputs that may be multiplexed or not multiplexed.

For example, if the sub-functional unit 21 fails, the switching devices196-1 and 196-2 connect the multiplexer 192-1 with the demultiplexer192-3. This establishes a forward path for signals being sent from thesub-functional unit 11 to the sub-functional unit 22 (which replacesnon-operable sub-functional unit 21); The demultiplexer 192-3communicates with the sub-functional unit 22. Likewise, a reverse pathcan be established if needed. The switching devices 196-1 and 196-2connect the multiplexer 192-4 to the demultiplexer 194-1, whichcommunicates with the sub-functional unit 11. As can be appreciated,while forward and reverse signal paths are shown, forward and/or reversepaths may be used between the sub-functional units as needed. Some ofthe multiplexers and demultiplexers can be omitted if both forward andreverse paths are not used between sub-functional units.

After failure and reconfiguration, the first functional unit 10-1includes sub-functional units 11, 22, 31, and 41. The second functionalunit 10-2 includes sub-functional units 12, 23, 32, and 42. The thirdfunctional unit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 2S, 33, and 43.The fourth functional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units 14, 24,3S, and 44. The fifth functional unit 10-5 includes sub-functional units15, 25, 34, and 45. The sixth functional unit 10-6 includessub-functional units 16, 26, 35, and 46.

The semiconductor with multiplexed switching devices can includemultiple full or partial spare sub-functional units. Referring now toFIG. 11, a semiconductor 200 includes two partial spare sub-functionalunits 10-PS₁ and 10PS₂. The multiple full or partial sparesub-functional units need not be located adjacent to each other.Switching devices 204 connect to at least two adjacent switches. Forexample, the switching device 204-1 communicates with the switchingdevices 204-2 and 204-3. Likewise, the switching device 204-2communicates with the switching devices 204-3 and 204-4. Thesemiconductor 200 is capable of replacing two failures in the same row.

For example, if sub-functional units 31 and 33 fail (as shown inshading), the switches 204 are reconfigured. The first functional unit10-1 includes sub-functional units 11, 21, 32, and 41. The secondfunctional unit 10-2 includes sub-functional units 12, 22, 34, and 42.The third functional unit 10-3 includes sub-functional units 13, 23, 35,and 43. The fourth functional unit 10-4 includes sub-functional units14, 24, 3S₁, and 44. The fifth functional unit 10-5 includessub-functional units 15, 25, 3S₂, and 45.

Assuming that defects are uniformly and independently distributed on thesemiconductor (which may or may not be true), if the yield for a singlefunctional unit is P_(s), then the yield for a first sub-functional unitis P_(sub1)=P_(s)((area of sub-functional unit)/area of functionalunit)). The yield P_(s) of the functional unit is equal to the productof the yields for each sub-functional unit.

If p is the yield of the functional units, m is the minimum number ofworking functional units and n is equal to m plus the number of sparefunctional units, the yield is defined as follows:

${yield} = {{f\left( {p,m,n} \right)} = {\sum\limits_{x = m}^{n}{{p^{x}\left( {1 - p} \right)}^{n - x}\frac{n!}{{x!}{\left( {n - x} \right)!}}}}}$For example, a semiconductor with 8 functional units each having auniform yield of 90% (and spare functional units) would have a yield of43%. Assume that the functional units have four sub-functional units A,B, C, and D. All of the sub-functional units are swapped out as a groupif A, B, C and/or D experience a fault. With one spare functional unit,the yield increases to 77.5%.

If the functional blocks can be swapped out in two groups (A and B)and/or (C and D), the yield is equal to:yield=ƒ(p _(A) ×p _(B) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(C) ×p _(D) ,m,n)In this example, the yield increases to 85.6% when the defect density ofA+B=defect density of C+D.

If the functional blocks can be swapped out in three groups (A and B), Cand/or D, the yield is equal to:yield=ƒ(p _(A) ×p _(B) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(C) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(D) ,m,n)In this example, the yield increases to 88.6% when the defect density ofA=B=C=D.

If the functional blocks can be swapped out in four groups A, B, Cand/or D, the yield is equal to:yield =ƒ(p _(A) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(B) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(C) ,m,n)×ƒ(p _(D) ,m,n)In this example, the yield increases to 91.7% when the defect density ofA=B=C=D.

As can be appreciated, providing one spare functional unit increaseyield dramatically. Splitting the functional units into two or moresub-functional units that can be individually swapped out furtherincreases yield. At some point, the tradeoff between improved yield isoffset by increased design complexity.

Referring now to FIG. 12, steps of a method for replacing non-operablesub-functional units using a single full or partial functional unit isshown. Control begins with step 240. In step 242, control identifiesrows and columns of non-operable sub-functional units. In step 244,control sets N equal to the number of rows in the functional units andsets R equal to one. In step 246, control determines whether R is equalto N+1. If true, control ends in step 248. If false, control continueswith step 250 where control determines if row R has greater than orequal to one non-operable (N.O.) sub-functional unit (SFU). If false,control increments R in step 252 and control returns to step 246. Iftrue, control continues with step 254 where control determines if row Rincludes greater than or equal to two non-operable (N.O.) sub-functionalunits (SFU). Since only one spare full or partial sub-functional unit isprovided, an error is signaled in step 256 if two or more non-operablesub-functional units are in the same row.

In step 258, control sets m equal to the column number of the full orpartial spare functional unit and z equal to the column of thenon-operable sub-functional unit. In step 262, control sets i=z. In step270, control determines whether z>m. If false, control continues withstep 274 and shifts the i^(th) sub-functional unit to column (i+1) usingthe switching devices. In step 276, control determines whether (i+1)=m.If-not, control increments i in step 278 and continues with step 274.Otherwise, control increments R in step 280 and control continues withstep 254.

If z is greater than m in step 270, control continues with step 284 andshifts the i^(th) sub-functional unit to column (i−1) using theswitching devices. In step 286, control determines whether (i−1) isequal to m. If not, control decrements i in step 288 and continues withstep 284. Otherwise, control continues with step 280.

As can be appreciated by skilled artisans, similar algorithms forreplacing non-operable functional units and/or sub-functional units canbe performed for semiconductors including two or more full or partialspare functional units and/or sub-functional units. In addition, whilespecific switching arrangements are shown, the specific switchingdevices that will be used will depend upon the particularimplementation, details of the particular functional and/orsub-functional units and other normal design criteria. Various differenttypes of switching devices may also be used on the same semiconductor.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a semiconductor 300 includes M functionalunits 302-1, 302-2, . . . , and 302-M (collectively 302). Each of the Mfunctional units 302 includes first, second, and third sub-functionalunits 1X, 2X, and 3X, respectively, where X is a number between 1 and M.First sub-functional units 11, 12, 13, . . . , and 1M communicate withsecond sub-functional units 21, 22, 23, . . . , and 2M, respectively.The first sub-functional units 1X also communicate with thirdsub-functional units 31, 32,33, . . . , and 3M, respectively. Forexample, the first sub-functional units 1X may include external analogand/or digital inputs/outputs (I/Os) and the third sub-functional units3X may include external analog and/or digital I/Os. In this example, thesecond sub-functional units 2X do not communicate with the thirdsub-functional units 3X. However, skilled artisans will appreciate thatthe second sub-functional units 2X may communicate with the thirdsub-functional units 3X. Additional sub-functional units may be addedand connected as needed.

The first sub-functional units 1X communicate with pads 304 of thesemiconductor 300, and the third sub-functional units. 3X communicatewith pads 306 of the semiconductor 300. While the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14 includes first, second, and third sub-functionalunits 1X, 2X, and 3X, respectively, in each of the M functional units302, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the functional units302 of the semiconductor 300 may include any number of sub-functionalunits that communicate in different combinations.

Problems arise when one of the sub-functional units is inoperable. Forexample, if a third sub-functional unit 3X in a given functional Until302 is inoperable, a signal path between a first sub-functional unit 1Xand a second sub-functional 2X unit may remain intact. However, thesignal path between the first and third sub-functional units 1X and 3X,respectively, is unusable. Therefore, the entire functional unit 302 isinoperable. For example, a port of a multi-port switch is defective. Itis desirable to switch out sub-functional and/or entire functional units302 and replace them with spare sub-functional and/or functional units302 when one or more sub-functional units become inoperable to increasethe yield of the semiconductor 300.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an 8-port semiconductor 314 includes ninefunctional units 316 and 318. The nine functional units 316 and 318include eight functional units 316 that communicate with respectiveinput and pads 320 and 322, respectively, of the semiconductor 314 and aspare functional unit 318. While the spare functional unit 318 is shownat the far right of the semiconductor 134 in this exemplaryimplementation, the spare functional unit 318 may be located at the farleft of the semiconductor 314 or between any two functional units 316.

A physical port slice 316 refers to a grouping of sub-functional units1X, 2X, and 3X in a specific functional unit 316 that are physicallypositioned as one port. Typically (but not necessarily), thesub-functional units in a physical slice are vertically stacked. Forexample, the first physical port slice 316-1 in FIG. 15 includessub-functional units 11, 21, and 31.

The semiconductor 314 includes a spare functional unit 318 with sparesub-functional units IS, 2S, and 3S. Switching devices in thesemiconductor 314 (not shown in FIG. 15 for simplicity) may routesignals from pads 320 of physical port slices 316 through sub-functionalunits of different physical port slices 316 when one or moresub-functional units 1X, 2X, and/or 3X are inoperable (shown withcross-hatching in FIG. 15). In the semiconductor 314 illustrated in FIG.15, each row of the semiconductor 314 may include one inoperablesub-functional unit while retaining eight functioning logical portslices.

A logical port slice refers to a grouping of sub-functional units thatis used to route a signal from an input pad 320 of a physical port slice316 to a respective output pad 322 of the same physical port slice 316.For example, sub-functional units 13, 26, and 38 are inoperable in FIG.15. Therefore, the second logical port slice in FIG. 15 includessub-functional units 12, 22, and 32. However, since sub-functional unit13 is inoperable, the switching devices route the signal from the inputpad 320-3 of the third physical port slice 316-3 to first sub-functionalunit 14 of the fourth physical port slice 316-4. Therefore, the thirdlogical port slice includes sub-functional units 14, 23, and 33.

Signals from pads 320-1 and 320-2 of physical port slices 316-1 and316-2 are routed to first sub-functional units 11 and 12, respectively,of the same physical port slice 316-1 and 316-2. Beginning with thephysical port slice 316-3 (that includes inoperable sub-functional unit13), signals from the pads 320-3 to 320-8 are routed one functional unitto the right to adjacent physical port slices 316-4 to 316-8 and 318.Although sub-functional unit 13 is inoperable, sub-functional unit 23remains operable. Therefore, switching devices route an output signalfrom sub-functional unit 14 to sub-functional unit 23. In an exemplaryembodiment, signals between first sub-functional units 1X and respectivethird sub-functional units 3X are routed through second sub-functionalunits 2X that are located below operable first sub-functional units 1X.For example, a signal from sub-functional unit 14 to sub-functional unit33 is routed through sub-functional unit 24.

The routing through sub-functional unit 26 can be wiring with no activecircuit in sub-functional unit 26 connecting sub-functional unit 16 tosub-functional unit 35. Even though sub-functional unit 26 isinoperable, a signal from sub-functional unit 16 to sub-functional unit35 is routed through sub-functional unit 26. This is accomplished byautomatically passing signals from first sub-functional units 1Xintended for third sub-functional units 3X through second sub-functionalunits 2X of the same physical port slice 316 during fabrication. Signalsfrom pads 320-3 to 320-8 that are in line with or to the right of thethird physical port slice 316-3 are shifted one functional unit to theright. Signals between first and second sub-functional units 14 and 23,15 and 24, and 16 and 25 in the fourth, fifth, and sixth physical portslices 316-4 to 316-6, respectively, are shifted one functional unit tothe left to avoid inoperable sub-functional unit 26. Signals betweenfirst and third sub-functional units 14 and 33, 15 and 34, 16 and 35, 17and 36, and 18 and 37 in the fourth through eighth physical port slices316-4 to 316-8, respectively, are shifted one functional unit to theleft. The signal from spare sub-functional unit 3S to the eight outputpad 322-8 is shifted one functional unit to the left.

The resulting logical port slices in FIG. 15 include sub-functionalunits 11, 21, and 31; 12, 22, and 32; 14, 23, and 33; 15, 24, and 34;16, 25, and 35; 17, 27, and 36; 18, 28, and 37; and 1S, 2S, and 3S.

Referring now to FIG. 16, sub-functional units 15, 28, and 32 areinoperable. Signals between pads and first sub-functional units 320-5and 16, 320-6 and 17,320-7 and 18, and 316-8-and 1S of the fifth throughthe eighth physical port slices 316-5 to 316-8 are shifted onefunctional unit to the right. Signals between first and secondsub-functional units 16 and 25, 17 and 26, and 18 and 27 from the sixththrough eighth physical port slices 316-6 to 316-8 are shifted onefunctional unit to the left. Signals between first and thirdsub-functional units 12 and 33, 13 and 34, and 14 and 35 from the secondthrough the fourth physical port slices 316-2 to 316-4 are-shifted onefunctional unit to the right. Signals from third sub-functional units topads 33 to 3S and 322-2 to 322-8, respectively, of the third through theeighth physical port slices 316-3 to 316-8 as well as the sparefunctional unit 318 are shifted one functional unit to the left.

The resulting logical port slices in FIG. 16 include sub-functionalunits 11, 21, and 31; 12, 22, and 33; 13, 23, and 34; 14, 24, and 35;16, 25, and 36; 17, 26, and 37; 18, 27, and 38; and 1S, 2S, and 3S.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an exemplary 8-port semiconductor 330 isfabricated with nine functioning ports 332-1 to 332-9. Pads 334-9 and336-9, respectively, of the ninth port 332-9 may not be used.Additionally one or more switching devices X-1 and X-9 in the first orninth physical port slice 332-1 and 332-9, respectively, may not be usedsince there are no adjacent ports to switch to. Each of the ports 332includes a functional unit 332 with first, second, and thirdsub-functional units 1X, 2X, and 3X, respectively. First switchingdevices 338 between pads 334 and first sub-functional units 1X of thesemiconductor 330 route signals from/to pads 334 to/from firstsub-functional units 1X of adjacent physical port slices 332.

Second switching devices 340 that are located between the first andsecond sub-functional units 1X and 2X, respectively, route signalsfrom/to the second sub-functional units 2X to/from the firstsub-functional units 1X. Third switching devices 342 that are locatedbetween the second and third sub-functional units 2X and 3X,respectively, route signals from/to the first sub-functional units 1Xto/from the third sub-functional units 3X. As discussed above, signals344 from the first sub-functional units 1X to the third-functional units3X are routed through second sub-functional units 2X of physical portslices with operable first sub-functional units 1X.

Fourth switches 346 between the third sub-functional units 3X and-thepads 336 route signals from/to the third sub-functional units 3X to/fromthe pads 336. In an exemplary embodiment there are two switching devicesin each physical port slice 332 and between each of the sub-functionalunits 1X and 2X, and 2X and 3X and input and/or output ports 334 and 1X,and 3X and 336. This provides for two-way signal transmissions. In anexemplary embodiment each of the individual switching devices 338, 340,342, and 346 is a multiplexer switch that selects an output from two ormore different signal inputs. For example, a switching device 342-3 witha downward signal flow between second and third sub-functional units 23and 33, respectively, in the third physical port slice 332-3 selectivelyroutes output signals from one of sub-functional unit 12, 13, and 14 tosub-functional unit 33.

Referring-now to FIG. 18, an exemplary 3-port semiconductor 354 isillustrated in further detail. The semiconductor 354 includes threefunctional units 356-1 to 356-3 and a spare functional unit 358.Switching devices 360-2 and 360-3 with a downward signal path that arelocated between the first sub-functional units 1X and the pads 362 routesignals from the pads 362 to the first sub-functional unit 1X of thesame physical port slice 356. For example, a switching device 360-2 witha downward signal path in the second physical port slice 356-2 mayoutput a signal from either the input pad 362-1 of the first physicalport slice 356-1 or the input pad 362-2 of the second physical portslice 356-2 to the first sub-functional unit 12 of the second physicalport slice 356-2. Signals are similarly routed in the oppositedirection.

Switching devices 364-1 to 364-3 and 364-S with a downward signal paththat are located between the first sub-functional units 1X and thesecond sub-functional units 2X route signals from the one of the firstsub-functional units 1X to the second sub-functional unit 2X of the samephysical port slice 356. For example, a switching device 364-2 with adownward signal path in the second physical port slice 356-2 may outputa signal from either of sub-functional units 11, 12, and 13 tosub-functional unit 22. Signals are similarly routed in the oppositedirection.

Switching devices 366-1 to 366-3-and 366-S with a downward signal paththat are located between the second sub-functional units 2X and thethird sub-functional units 3X route signals from one of the firstsub-functional units 1X to the third sub-functional unit 3X of the samephysical port slice 356. For example, a switching device 366-2 with adownward signal path in the second physical port slice 356-2 may outputa signal from either of sub-functional units 11, 12, and 13 tosub-functional unit 32. Signals are similarly routed in the oppositedirection.

Switching devices 368-1 to 368-3 with a downward signal path that arelocated between the third sub-functional units 3X and the pads 370 routesignals from one of the third sub-functional units 3X to the output pad370 of the same physical port slice 356. For example, a switching device368-2 with a downward signal path in the second physical port slice356-2 may output a signal from either of sub-functional units 32 and 33to the output pad 370-2 of the same physical port slice. Signals aresimilarly routed in the opposite direction.

Referring now to FIG. 19, exemplary switching devices 378 and 380 thatare located between the first and second sub-functional units 1X and 2X,respectively, and between the second and third sub-functional units 2Xand 3X, respectively, are illustrated in further detail. The switchingdevices 378 and 380 comprise multiplexer switches that selectivelyoutput one of four input signals. The multiplexers 378 and 380illustrated in FIG. 19 are 4-to-1 multiplexers that are controlled byfirst and second control signals NE_SW and NW_SE, and SW_NE and SE_NW,which will be explained in further detail below. While 4-to-1multiplexers are shown, 3-to-1, 2-to-1 and/or M-to-1 (where M is aninteger) multiplexers may be used-depending upon the number of inputsrequired.

In each of the multiplexer switches 378 with a downward signal flow, a“1” input receives an output signal from a sub-functional unit 1X thatis in a left adjacent physical port slice 382. A “0” input receives anoutput signal from the sub-functional unit 1X of the current physicalport slice 382. A “2” input receives an output signal from asub-functional unit 1X that is-in a right adjacent physical port slice382. Since each of the multiplexer switches 378 and 380 selects betweenthree signals from sub-functional units 1X or 2X, the “3” input is tiedto ground and not used. Signals are similarly routed in the oppositedirection. Additionally, while the multiplexer switches 378 and 380 areshown located between the first and second sub-functional units 1X and2X, respectively, multiplexer switches between the second and thirdsub-functional units 2X and 3X, respectively, are similarly connected.

Referring now to FIG. 20, switching devices 390 and 392 that are locatedbetween the first sub-functional units 1X and the pads 394 of asemiconductor 396 are illustrated in further detail. The switchingdevices 390 illustrated with downward signal flow are multiplexerswitches, and the switching devices 392 illustrated with an upwardsignal flow are dual switches. Either type of switching device 390 or392 may be used exclusively or may be used instead of the other 392 or390. The multiplexer switches 390 are 2-to-1 multiplexers that outputone of two input signals based on a control signal MUX_CR. A “0” inputreceives an output signal from an input pad 394 of the same physicalport slice 397. A “1” input receives an output signal from an input pad394 of a left adjacent physical port slice 397.

The dual switches 392 include first and second switches 398 and 400,respectively, that cooperate to output a signal from a firstsub-functional unit 1X to one of the pads 394 based on first and secondcontrol signals MUX_ST and MUX_CR, respectively. For example, the dualswitches 392-2 in the second physical port slice 397-2 direct a signalfrom sub-functional unit 12 to either the input pad 394-2 in the samephysical port slice 397-2 by opening the first switch 398-2 or theoutput pad 294-1 of the left adjacent physical port slice 397-1 byopening the second switch 400-2. Only one of the first and secondswitches 398 and 400, respectively, is open at any time, and bothswitches 398 and 400 are typically not closed at the same time.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a table includes control signal combinationsfor the switching devices 390 and 392 in FIG. 20. The switches 398 and400 are open when respective control signals are set high and closedwhen respective control signals are set low. For the dual switches 392in FIG. 20 with an upward signal flow, the first switch 398 is open whenMUX_ST is set high. According to the table, signals from the firstsub-functional units 1X are routed to respective pads 394 of the samephysical port slice 397 when MUX_ST is set high. The second switch 400is open when MUX_CR is set high. According to the table, signals fromthe first sub-functional units 1X are routed to pads 394 of leftadjacent physical port slices. 397 when MUX_CR is set high. When bothMUX_ST and MUX_CR are zero, data is not routed to the pads 394. Anot-used combination occurs when both MUX_CR and MUX_ST set high.

Referring now to FIG. 22, switching devices 408 that are located betweenthe third sub-functional units 3X and the pads 410 of the semiconductor396 are illustrated in further detail. As those with an upward signalflow in FIG. 20, the switching devices 408 with a downward signal flowin FIG. 22 are dual switches. The first and second switches 412 and 414,respectively, cooperate to route signals that are output by the thirdsub-functional units 3X to the pads 410 based on the first and secondcontrol signals MUX_ST and MUX_CR, respectively. The control signalcombinations in FIG. 21 also apply to the control signals MUX_ST andMUX_CR for the dual switches 408 in FIG. 22. In FIG. 20, the SW aretristate buffers that are used to route digital signals where the signaldirection is uni-directional. In FIG. 22, the SW are CMOS switches useto pass analog signals that are bidirectional.

The first switches 412 are open when MUX_ST is set high, and signalsfrom the third sub-functional units 3X are routed to respective pads 410of the same physical port slices 397. The second switches 414 are openwhen MUX_CR is set high, and signals from the third sub-functional units3X are routed to pads 410 of left adjacent physical port slices 397.While only switching devices 408 with a downward signal flow areillustrated in FIG. 22, a similar arrangement may exist with switchingdevices with an upward signal flow. Also, the dual switches 408 may bereplaced with multiplexer switches.

1Referring now to FIG. 23A, a system comprises automated testingequipment (ATE) 420, a laser 422, and a self-reparable semiconductor 423with a trimming circuit 424, a fuse circuit 426 and sub-functional unitsand switching devices (collectively 428). The ATE 420 tests thesub-functional units during a test mode and identifies inoperablesub-functional units (if any exist). The ATE 420 outputs the location offaulty sub-functional units to the laser 422, which makes or breaks acorresponding fuse in the fuse circuit 426. In a normal mode, thetrimming circuit 424 uses the fuse circuit 426 to configure theswitching devices, as will be described below.

Referring now to FIG. 23B, the trimming circuit 424 is illustrated.After a testing process, the laser 422 may deactivate zero, one or morefuses in the fuse circuit 426 on the semiconductor 423, which sets thevalue of the TRIM_* signal. The “*” is a placeholder for sub-functions.In other words, if there are three sub-functions per functional unit,there will be TRIM_P1, TRIM_P2, and TRIM_P3 signals. An input of adecode module 436 receives the TRIM_* signal. The TRIM_* signal is ann-bit wide signal from the fuse circuit 426. The decode module 436converts the TRIM_* signal into a binary-value that is between zero andeight. Each of the binary values corresponds to a physical port slice onthe semiconductor 86 (assuming an 8-port semiconductor). First andsecond inputs of a first multiplexer switch 438 receive the binaryvalue.

The input pad preferably has a pull-down resistor to ensure that aDIS_FUSE signal is set low by default. During normal operation, theDIS_FUSE signal is set low so that trimmed fuse values determine activegroups on the semiconductor 86. However, during a testing process, theDIS_FUSE signal is set high so that the trimming circuit 424 can utilizeone or more shift registers to transmit data in different patterns onthe semiconductor 86 to detect inoperable sub-functional and/orfunctional units 92.

A second control signal of the first multiplexer switch 438 is set highby default. Therefore, when the DIS_FUSE signal is set low, the firstmultiplexer switch 438 outputs the binary value from the decode module436. Binary decoding of the TRIM_* signal also simplifies mapping of thevalues of the TRIM_* signal. A map module 440 maps the values of theTRIM_* signal in a way that statistically minimizes the number of fusesthat the laser is required to deactivate for the semiconductor 86 tooperate desirably. The output of the first multiplexer switch 438 isalso transmitted to registers that are readable by a managementinterface.

Automatic testing equipment (ATE) identifies sub-functional and/orfunctional units 92 in the semiconductor 86 that have no defects. Tosatisfactorily test analog portions of the semiconductor 86,sub-functional units 92 on the semiconductor 86 are arranged to formdifferent logical port slices. Since deactivating fuses with a laser ispermanent, it is desirable to form a variety of logical port sliceswithout deactivating fuses in the fuse circuit 428 to test the integrityof the semiconductor 86.

A shift register 444 is used to minimize the probability of encounteringa manufacturing defect in the shifter logic. A TCK signal provides aclock for the shift register 444. The shift register 444 clocks on therising edge of the TCK signal. Data is shifted into the shift register444 from a TDI signal. The shift register 444 includes one plus thelarger of p and n bits of data. Since the TDI signal is input to a thirdmultiplexer switch 446, a TMS signal that functions as a control signalfor the third multiplexer switch 446 is typically set low. The shiftregister 444 is only enabled when a TRST signal is set low.

The shift register 444 has two modes of operation. In a direct mode, theshift register 444 outputs n bits to an input of the first multiplexerswitch 438. The direct mode is utilized during ATE programming. When then-bit signal from the shift register 444 is output by the firstmultiplexer switch 438, the n-bit signal is mapped by the map module440. Shift registers 444 in all of the functional units 92 of thesemiconductor 86 are simultaneously loaded with data from the TDIsignal.

In the bypass mode, the first multiplexer switch 438 is bypassed and pbits that are output by the shift register 444 are input to the secondmultiplexer switch 442. Therefore, the map module 440 is also bypassed.An output of an AND gate 448 is determined by the DIS_FUSE signal and ahigh signal. The output of the AND gate 448 is the control signal forthe second multiplexer switch 442. The TMS signal is set high duringbypass mode. Therefore, data enters the shift register 444 from an S_INsignal. Bypass mode is utilized in the event that the map module 440 isdefective. Shift registers 444 of adjacent physical port slices areconnected in a daisy chain so that an output of an N^(th) shift register444 is received by an input of an (N+1)^(th) shift register 444.

It may be useful to utilize a management interface to reconfigure thelogical port slices during the testing process. In this case, themanagement interface utilizes a writable register 450. The writableregister 450 receives the TRST signal as a reset signal. An input of thefirst multiplexer switch 438 receives an n-bit wide output from thewritable register 450. In this case, the DIS_FUSE signal is set high sothat the input of the first multiplexer switch 438 that receives theoutput from the writable register 450 is selected. After the DIS_FUSEsignal is set high, the writable register 450 controls whetherconfiguration data is generated by the writable register 450 or thefuses in the fuse circuit 428.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a table summarizes a mapping scheme that isimplemented by the decode module 436. The decode module 436 maps valuesof the TRIM_* signal to corresponding SKIP_* values that designate aphysical port slice. The fuse mapping is implemented in a way thatminimizes the number of fuses that are deactivated for desirableoperation. The value of TRIM[3:0] is assumed to be zero if a fuse is notdeactivated and one if a fuse is deactivated. Unused TRIM[3:0]combinations are also mapped to binary values in order to avoidambiguity in the event that there is a malfunction. The mapping of theunused combinations in FIG. 24 minimizes the required mapping logic.

When the ATE is used, SKIP[3:0] values are generated by shifting in datafrom the shift register 444. However, decoded TRIM[3:0] values arepreferably used when using the laser to deactivate fuses. When noinoperable sub-functional units 92 are detected, it is most efficient todisable the spare functional unit. Therefore, when the value TRIM[3:0]is equal to 0000, port 8 is chosen as the disabled port. However, noactual fuse deactivation is required in this case.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a table summarizes trimming signals for thefirst, second, and third sub-functional units on the semiconductor 86.First sub-functional units correspond with block P1, secondsub-functional units correspond with block P2, and third sub-functionalunits correspond with block P3. A given TRIM_PX[3:0] value has acorresponding SKIP_PX[3:0] according to the table in FIG. 24.

Referring now to FIG. 26, all ports on the semiconductor 86 have ahardwired input signal PORT_SLICE[3:0]. The value of PORT_SLICE[3:0] isbetween zero and eight and identifies a particular physical port slicenumber. Since the value of the SKIP_* signal identifies the physicalport slice number of an inoperable sub-functional unit 92,PORT_SLICE[3:0] and SKIP_* are compared to determine logical port slicelayouts.

The equations in FIG. 26 determine the value of control signals on thesemiconductor 86 including control signals for the switching devices.The NE_SW, NW_SE, SW_NE, and SE_NW control signals determine how themultiplexer switches 378 and 380 between the first and secondsub-functional units 1X and 2X, respectively, and between the first andthird sub-functional units 1X and 3X, respectively, in FIG. 19 operate.The MUX_X control signals determine how the multiplexer switches 390 anddual switches 392 between the first sub-functional units and the pads 1Xand 394, respectively, and between the third sub-functional units andthe pads 3X and 410, respectively, in FIGS. 20 and 22 operate.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the values of the MUX_ST and MUX_CR controlsignals are determined by comparing the SKIP_* and PORT_SLICE values.For example, when SKIP_* is less than PORT_SLICE, the switching devices390 and 392 between the first sub-functional units and the pads 1X and394, respectively, route signals from the first sub-functional units 1Xto left adjacent physical port slices 397. Likewise, the switchingdevices 408 between the third sub-functional units and the pads 3X and410, respectively, route signals from the third sub-functional units 3Xto left adjacent physical port slices 397. The shift direction isreversed for signals that travel in the opposite direction. Also, whenSKIP_* is greater than PORT_SLICE, signals are not diverted.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the values of the NE_SW and NW_SE controlsignals are determined by comparing SKIP_TOP and SKIP_BOT values withPORT_SLICE values. The table in FIG. 28 determines the control signalsfor the multiplexer switches 378 located between the first and secondsub-functional units 1X and 2X, respectively, and between the second andthird sub-functional units 2X and 3X, respectively, with a downwardsignal flow. The multiplexer switches 378 route signals between thefirst and second sub-functional units 1X and 2X, respectively as in FIG.19 and between the first and third sub-functional units 1X and 3X,respectively. For example, when NE_SW is equal to zero and when NW_SE isequal to one, a signal from a sub-functional unit 1X in a left adjacentphysical port slice 382 is routed to a sub-functional unit 2X in thecurrent physical port slice 382.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the values of the SE_NW and SW_NE controlsignals are determined by comparing SKIP_TOP and SKIP_BOT values withPORT_SLICE values. The table in FIG. 29 determines the control signalsfor multiplexer switches 380 with an upward signal flow located betweenthe first and second sub-functional units 1X and 2X, respectively, andbetween the second and third sub-functional units 2X and 3X,respectively. The multiplexer switches 380 route signals between thesecond and first sub-functional units 2X and 1X, respectively as in FIG.19 and between the third and first sub-functional units 3X and 1X,respectively. For example, when SE_NW is equal to one and when SW_NE isequal to zero, a signal from a sub-functional unit 2X in a rightadjacent physical port slice 382 is routed to a sub-functional unit 1Xin the current physical port slice 382.

Referring now to FIG. 30, an exemplary shift register implementation isshown. Each of the physical port slices includes a shift register 458and a multiplexer switch 460. A first input of all of the multiplexerswitches 460 receives the TDI signal. A second input of all of themultiplexer switches 460 receives an output from the preceding shiftregister 458. In the direct mode, all of the shift registers 458 aresimultaneously loaded from the TDI signal. Thirteen bits are required toconfigure the shift registers 458 including twelve trimming bits and onecontrol bit. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the shift registers458 are 15-bit registers. Therefore, the upper two bits of each shiftregister 458 are not used during the direct mode.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the invention should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings, specification, and the following claims.

1. A self-reparable semiconductor, comprising: a first functional unitincluding first, second, and third sub-functional units that cooperateto perform a first function, wherein said first sub-functional unitcommunicates with said second sub-functional unit over a first signalpath and communicates with said third sub-functional unit over a secondsignal path that passes through said second sub-functional unit; a firstspare functional unit including first, second, and third sub-functionalunits, wherein said first, second, and third sub-functional units ofsaid first functional unit and said first spare functional unit,respectively, are functionally interchangeable; and switching devicesthat communicate with said first, second, and third sub-functional unitsof said first functional unit and said first spare functional unit andthat replace at least one of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first functional unit with at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional units of said first sparefunctional unit when said at least one of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first functional unit is inoperable.
 2. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 further comprising a controllerthat identifies at least one inoperable sub-functional unit on saidself-reparable semiconductor and that generates configuration data forconfiguring said switching devices to replace said at least oneinoperable sub-functional unit.
 3. The self-reparable semiconductor ofclaim 2 wherein said controller is located on said self-reparablesemiconductor.
 4. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 2 whereinsaid controller is located off of said self-reparable semiconductor andfurther comprising memory that is located on said self-reparablesemiconductor for storing said configuration data for said switchingdevices.
 5. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 wherein saidfirst functional unit and said first spare functional unit are laid outin one of columns and rows on said self-reparable semiconductor and saidfirst, second, and third sub-functional units of said first functionalunit and said first spare functional unit are laid out in the other ofcolumns and rows.
 6. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 furthercomprising a second functional unit that includes first, second, andthird sub-functional units, wherein said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first and second functional units,respectively, are functionally interchangeable and wherein said firstspare functional unit is located one of between said first and secondfunctional units and adjacent to one of said first or said secondfunctional units.
 7. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 6 whereinsaid first, second, and first spare functional units are laid out in oneof columns and rows on said self-reparable semiconductor and said first,second, and third sub-functional units of said first, second, and firstspare functional units are laid out in the other of columns and rows. 8.The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 wherein said switchingdevices include at least one of analog and digital switching devices. 9.The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 wherein signals that arecommunicated between said first and third sub-functional units of atleast one of said first functional unit and said first spare functionalunit are routed through said second sub-functional unit of said at leastone of said first functional unit and/or said first spare functionalunit.
 10. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 1 further comprisingone or more additional spare functional units.
 11. A self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: a first functional unit including first,second, and third sub-functional units that cooperate to perform a firstfunction, wherein said first sub-functional unit communicates with atleast one of said second and/or third sub-functional units and saidsecond sub-functional unit communicates with at least one of said firstand/or third sub-functional units; a first spare functional unitincluding first, second, and third sub-functional units, wherein saidfirst, second, and third sub-functional units of said first functionalunit and said first spare functional unit, respectively, arefunctionally interchangeable; and switching devices that communicatewith said first, second, and third sub-functional units of said firstfunctional unit and said first spare functional unit and that replace atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional units of saidfirst functional unit with at least one of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first spare functional unit when said atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional units of saidfirst functional unit is inoperable, wherein at least one of saidswitching devices includes a multiplexer that receives y inputs andselectively outputs one of said y inputs.
 12. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 11 wherein said multiplexer receives outputsignals from first, second, and third sub-functional units that arefunctionally interchangeable.
 13. A self-reparable semiconductor,comprising: a first functional unit including first, second, and thirdsub-functional units that cooperate to perform a first function, whereinsaid first sub-functional unit communicates with at least one of saidsecond and/or third sub-functional units and said second sub-functionalunit communicates with at least one of said first and/or thirdsub-functional units; a first spare functional unit including first,second, and third sub-functional units, wherein said first, second, andthird sub-functional units of said first functional unit and said firstspare functional unit, respectively, are functionally interchangeable;and switching devices that communicate with said first, second, andthird sub-functional units of said first functional unit and said firstspare functional unit and that replace at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional units of said first functional unitwith at least one of said first, second, and third sub-functional unitsof said first spare functional unit when said at least one of saidfirst, second, and third sub-functional units of said first functionalunit is inoperable, wherein at least one of said switching devicesincludes first and second switches that receive an input and thatselectively output said input based on first and second control signals,respectively.
 14. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 13 whereinsaid input is an output signal from one of a sub-functional unit and apad of said self-reparable semiconductor.
 15. A self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: a first functional unit including first,second, and third sub-functional units that cooperate to perform a firstfunction, wherein said first sub-functional unit communicates with atleast one of said second and/or third sub-functional units and saidsecond sub-functional unit communicates with at least one of said firstand/or third sub-functional units; a first spare functional unitincluding first, second, and third sub-functional units, wherein saidfirst, second, and third sub-functional units of said first functionalunit and said first spare functional unit, respectively, arefunctionally interchangeable; and switching devices that communicatewith said first, second, and third sub-functional units of said firstfunctional unit and said first spare functional unit and that replace atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional units of saidfirst functional unit with at least one of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first spare functional unit when said atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional units of saidfirst functional unit is inoperable, wherein said switching devicesinclude at least one of analog and digital switching devices, andwherein said analog switching devices are current-based.
 16. A systemcomprising: a self-reparable semiconductor that includes: M functionalunits that perform a function, where M≧1; N spare functional units thatperform said function and that are interchangeable with said Mfunctional units, where N≧1; and switching devices that communicate withsaid M functional units and said N spare functional units and thatselectively replace one of said M functional units with one of said Nspare functional units when said one of said M functional units isinoperable; automated testing equipment (ATE); a fuse circuit associatedwith said self reparable semiconductor that includes a plurality offuses that selectively store a location of at least one inoperablefunctional unit; and a trimming circuit associated with saidself-reparable semiconductor that interfaces with said ATE and said fusecircuit.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said trimming circuit hasnormal and testing modes.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein saidtrimming circuit allows said ATE to override said fuse circuit to selectand test said functional units during said test mode.
 19. The system ofclaim 18 wherein said switching devices are selectively configured basedon said location of said at least one inoperable functional unit duringsaid normal mode.
 20. A self-reparable semiconductor, comprising: Mfunctional units each including first, second, and third sub-functionalunits, wherein each of said M functional units perform the samefunction, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1, wherein eachcorresponding ones of said first, second, and third sub-functional unitsperform the same function, and wherein corresponding ones of said firstsub-functional units communicate with corresponding ones of said secondsub-functional units over respective first signal paths and communicatewith corresponding ones of said third sub-functional units overrespective second signal paths that pass through said secondsub-functional units; a first spare functional unit including Xsub-functional units, wherein X is greater than or equal to one andwherein said X sub-functional units of said first spare functional unitare functionally interchangeable with corresponding sub-functional unitsof said M functional units; and a plurality of switching devices thatreplace at least one of said first, second, and third sub-functionalunits of said M functional units with at least one of said Xsub-functional units when said at least one of said first, second, andthird sub-functional units of said M functional units is inoperable. 21.The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 20 further comprising acontroller that identifies at least one inoperable sub-functional unitand that generates configuration data for configuring said plurality ofswitching devices to replace said at least one inoperable sub-functionalunit.
 22. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 21 wherein saidcontroller is located on said self-reparable semiconductor.
 23. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 21 wherein said controller islocated off of said self-reparable semiconductor and further comprisingmemory that is located on said self-reparable semiconductor for storingsaid configuration data for said switching devices.
 24. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 20 wherein said first sparefunctional unit is located one of between two of said M functionalunits, adjacent only to a first of said M functional units, and adjacentonly to an M^(th) of said M functional units.
 25. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 20 wherein said M functional units and said firstspare functional unit are laid out in one of columns and rows on saidself-reparable semiconductor and said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said M functional units and said Xsub-functional units of said first spare functional unit are laid out inthe other of columns and rows.
 26. The self-reparable semiconductor ofclaim 20 wherein said plurality of switching devices include at leastone of analog and digital switching devices.
 27. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 20 wherein signals that are communicated betweensaid first and third sub-functional units of said M functional units arerouted through said second sub-functional unit of said M functionalunits.
 28. A system comprising: a self-reparable semiconductor thatincludes: M functional units that perform a function, where M>1; N sparefunctional units that perform said function and that are interchangeablewith said M functional units, where N>1; and switching devices thatcommunicate with said M functional units and said N spare functionalunits and that selectively replace one of said M functional units withone of said N spare functional units when said one of said M functionalunits is inoperable; automated testing equipment (ATE); a fuse circuitassociated with said self reparable semiconductor that includes aplurality of fuses that selectively store a location of at least oneinoperable functional unit; and a trimming circuit associated with saidself-reparable semiconductor that interfaces with said ATE and said fusecircuit, wherein at least one of said plurality of switching devicesincludes a multiplexer that receives p inputs and selectively outputsone of said p inputs.
 29. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 28wherein said multiplexer receives at least three inputs that includeoutput signals from first, second, and third sub-functional units thatare functionally interchangeable, and wherein said multiplexerselectively outputs one of said output signals based on first and secondcontrol signals.
 30. A system comprising: a self-reparable semiconductorthat includes: M functional units that perform a function, where M>1; Nspare functional units that perform said function and that areinterchangeable with said M functional units, where N>1; and switchingdevices that communicate with said M functional units and said N sparefunctional units and that selectively replace one of said M functionalunits with one of said N spare functional units when said one of said Mfunctional units is inoperable; automated testing equipment (ATE); afuse circuit associated with said self reparable semiconductor thatincludes a plurality of fuses that selectively store a location of atleast one inoperable functional unit; and a trimming circuit associatedwith said self-reparable semiconductor that interfaces with said ATE andsaid fuse circuit, wherein at least one of said switching devicesincludes first and second switches that receive an input and thatselectively output said input based on first and second control signals,respectively.
 31. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 30 whereinsaid input is an output signal from one of a sub-functional unit and apad of said self-reparable semiconductor.
 32. A system comprising: aself-reparable semiconductor that includes: M functional units thatperform a function, where M>1; N spare functional units that performsaid function and that are interchangeable with said M functional units,where N>1; and switching devices that communicate with said M functionalunits and said N spare functional units and that selectively replace oneof said M functional units with one of said N spare functional unitswhen said one of said M functional units is inoperable; automatedtesting equipment (ATE); a fuse circuit associated with said selfreparable semiconductor that includes a plurality of fuses thatselectively store a location of at least one inoperable functional unit;and a trimming circuit associated with said self-reparable semiconductorthat interfaces with said ATE and said fuse circuit, wherein saidplurality of switching devices include at least one of analog anddigital switching devices, and wherein said analog switching devices arecurrent-based.
 33. A self-reparable semiconductor, comprising: firstfunctional means for performing a first function and including first,second, and third sub-functional means for performing first, second andthird functions and that cooperate to perform said first function,wherein said first sub-functional means communicates with said secondsub-functional means over a first signal path and communicates with saidthird sub-functional means over a second signal path that passes throughsaid second sub-functional means; first spare functional means forselectively replacing inoperable sub-functional means and includingfirst, second, and third sub-functional means for performing first,second and third functions, respectively, wherein said first, second,and third sub-functional means of said first functional means and saidfirst spare functional means, respectively, are functionallyinterchangeable; and switching means for switching that communicateswith said first, second, and third sub-functional means of said firstfunctional means and said first spare functional means and that replacesat least one of said first, second, and third sub-functional means ofsaid first functional means with at least one of said first, second, andthird sub-functional means of said first spare functional means whensaid at least one of said first, second, and third sub-functional meansof said first functional means is inoperable.
 34. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 33 further comprising control means foridentifying at least one inoperable sub-functional means and forgenerating configuration data for configuring said switching means toreplace said at least one inoperable sub-functional means.
 35. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 34 wherein said control means islocated on said self-reparable semiconductor.
 36. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 34 wherein said control means is located off ofsaid self-reparable semiconductor and further comprising storing meansthat is located on said self-reparable semiconductor for storing saidconfiguration data for said switching means.
 37. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 33 wherein said first functional means and saidfirst spare functional means are laid out in one of columns and rows onsaid self-reparable semiconductor and said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means of said first functional means and said first sparefunctional means are laid out in the other of columns and rows.
 38. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 33 further comprising secondfunctional means that includes first, second, and third sub-functionalmeans, wherein said first, second, and third sub-functional means ofsaid first and second functional means, respectively, are functionallyinterchangeable and wherein said first spare functional means is locatedone of between said first and second functional means and adjacent toonly one of said first and said second functional means.
 39. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 38 wherein said first, second, andfirst spare functional means are laid out in one of columns and rows onsaid self-reparable semiconductor and said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means of said first, second, and first spare functionalmeans are laid out in the other of columns and rows.
 40. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 33 wherein said switching meansinclude at least one of analog and digital switches.
 41. Theself-reparable semiconductor of claim 33 wherein signals that arecommunicated between said first and third sub-functional means of atleast one of said first functional means and said first spare functionalmeans are routed through said second sub-functional means of said atleast one of said first functional means and/or said first sparefunctional means.
 42. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 33further comprising one or more additional spare functional means.
 43. Aself-reparable semiconductor, comprising: first functional means forperforming a first function and including first, second, and thirdsub-functional means for performing first, second and third functionsand that cooperate to perform said first function, wherein said firstsub-functional means communicates with at least one of said secondand/or third sub-functional means and said second sub-functional meanscommunicates with at least one of said first and/or third sub-functionalmeans; first spare functional means for selectively replacing inoperablesub-functional means and including first, second, and thirdsub-functional means for performing first, second and third functions,respectively, wherein said first, second, and third sub-functional meansof said first functional means and said first spare functional means,respectively, are functionally interchangeable; and switching means forswitching that communicates with said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means of said first functional means and said first sparefunctional means and that replaces at least one of said first, second,and third sub-functional means of said first functional means with atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means when said at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said first functional means isinoperable, wherein at least one of said switching means includesmultiplexing means for receiving y inputs and selectively outputting oneof said y inputs.
 44. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 43wherein said multiplexing means receives output signals from first,second, and third sub-functional means that are functionallyinterchangeable.
 45. A self-reparable semiconductor, comprising: firstfunctional means for performing a first function and including first,second, and third sub-functional means for performing first, second andthird functions and that cooperate to perform said first function,wherein said first sub-functional means communicates with at least oneof said second and/or third sub-functional means and said secondsub-functional means communicates with at least one of said first and/orthird sub-functional means; first spare functional means for selectivelyreplacing inoperable sub-functional means and including first, second,and third sub-functional means for performing first, second and thirdfunctions, respectively, wherein said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means of said first functional means and said first sparefunctional means, respectively, are functionally interchangeable; andswitching means for switching that communicates with said first, second,and third sub-functional means of said first functional means and saidfirst spare functional means and that replaces at least one of saidfirst, second, and third sub-functional means of said first functionalmeans with at least one of said first, second, and third sub-functionalmeans of said first spare functional means when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional means of said firstfunctional means is inoperable, wherein at least one of said switchingmeans includes first and second switches that receive an input and thatselectively output said input based on first and second control signals,respectively.
 46. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 45 whereinsaid input is an output signal from one of a sub-functional means and apad of said self-reparable semiconductor.
 47. A self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: first functional means for performing a firstfunction and including first, second, and third sub-functional means forperforming first, second and third functions and that cooperate toperform said first function, wherein said first sub-functional meanscommunicates with at least one of said second and/or thirdsub-functional means and said second sub-functional means communicateswith at least one of said first and/or third sub-functional means; firstspare functional means for selectively replacing inoperablesub-functional means and including first, second, and thirdsub-functional means for performing first, second and third functions,respectively, wherein said first, second, and third sub-functional meansof said first functional means and said first spare functional means,respectively, are functionally interchangeable; and switching means forswitching that communicates with said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means of said first functional means and said first sparefunctional means and that replaces at least one of said first, second,and third sub-functional means of said first functional means with atleast one of said first, second, and third sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means when said at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said first functional means isinoperable, wherein said switching means include at least one of analogand digital switches, and wherein said analog switches arecurrent-based.
 48. A system comprising: a self-reparable semiconductorthat includes: M functional means for performing a function, where M≧1;N spare functional means for replacing inoperable functional means andthat are interchangeable with said M functional means, where N≧1; andswitching means for switching that communicates with said M functionalmeans and said N spare functional means and that selectively replacesone of said M functional means with one of said N spare functional meanswhen said one of said M functional means is inoperable; testing meansfor testing; fuse means associated with said self reparablesemiconductor that includes for selectively storing a location of atleast one inoperable functional means; and trimming means associatedwith said self-reparable semiconductor that interfaces with said testingmeans and said fuse means.
 49. The system of claim 48 wherein saidtrimming means has normal and testing modes.
 50. The system of claim 49wherein said trimming circuit allows said testing means to override saidfuse means to select and test said functional means during said testmode.
 51. The system of claim 50 wherein said switching means areselectively configured based on said location of said at least oneinoperable functional unit during said normal mode.
 52. A self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: M functional means for performing a functioneach including first, second, and third sub-functional means forperforming first, second and third sub-functions wherein each of said Mfunctional means perform the same function, wherein M is greater than orequal to 1, wherein each corresponding ones of said first, second, andthird sub-functional means perform the same function, and whereincorresponding ones of said first sub-functional means communicate withof corresponding ones of said second sub-functional means overrespective first signal paths and communicate with corresponding ones ofsaid third sub-functional means over respective second signal paths thatpass through said second sub-functional means; first spare functionalmeans for replacing inoperable sub-functional means and including Xsub-functional means for performing sub-functions, wherein X is greaterthan or equal to one and wherein said X sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means are functionally interchangeable withcorresponding sub-functional means of said M functional means; and aplurality of switching means for replacing at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said M functional means withat least one of said X sub-functional means when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional means of said M functionalmeans is inoperable.
 53. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 52further comprising control means for identifying at least one inoperablesub-functional means and for generating configuration data forconfiguring said plurality of switching means to replace said at leastone inoperable sub-functional means.
 54. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 53 wherein said control means is located on saidself-reparable semiconductor.
 55. The self-reparable semiconductor ofclaim 53 wherein said control means is located off of saidself-reparable semiconductor and further comprising storing means thatis located on said self-reparable semiconductor for storing saidconfiguration data for said switching means.
 56. The self-reparablesemiconductor of claim 52 wherein said first spare functional means islocated one of between two of said M functional means, adjacent only toa first of said M functional means, and adjacent only to an M^(th) ofsaid M functional means.
 57. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim52 wherein said M functional means and said first spare functional meansare laid out in one of columns and rows on said self-reparablesemiconductor and said first, second, and third sub-functional means ofsaid M functional means and said X sub-functional means of said firstspare functional means are laid out in the other of columns and rows.58. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 52 wherein said pluralityof switching means include at least one of analog and digital switches.59. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 52 wherein signals thatare communicated between said first and third sub-functional means ofsaid M functional means are routed through said second sub-functionalmeans of said M functional means.
 60. A self-reparable semiconductor,comprising: M functional means for performing a function each includingfirst, second, and third sub-functional means for performing first,second and third sub-functions, wherein each of said M functional meansperform the same function, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1,wherein each corresponding ones of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means perform the same function, and whereincorresponding ones of said first sub-functional means communicate withat least one of corresponding ones of said second and/or thirdsub-functional means and corresponding ones of said secondsub-functional means communicate with at least one of corresponding onesof said first and/or third sub-functional means; first spare functionalmeans for replacing inoperable sub-functional means and including Xsub-functional means for performing sub-functions, wherein X is greaterthan or equal to one and wherein said X sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means are functionally interchangeable withcorresponding sub-functional means of said M functional means; and aplurality of switching means for replacing at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said M functional means withat least one of said X sub-functional means when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional means of said M functionalmeans is inoperable, wherein at least one of said plurality of switchingmeans includes multiplexing means for receiving p inputs and selectivelyoutputting one of said p inputs.
 61. The self-reparable semiconductor ofclaim 60 wherein said multiplexing means receives at least three inputsthat include output signals from first, second, and third sub-functionalmeans that are functionally interchangeable, and wherein saidmultiplexer selectively outputs one of said output signals based onfirst and second control signals.
 62. A self-reparable semiconductor,comprising: M functional means for performing a function each includingfirst, second, and third sub-functional means for performing first,second and third sub-functions, wherein each of said M functional meansperform the same function, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1,wherein each corresponding ones of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional means perform the same function, and whereincorresponding ones of said first sub-functional means communicate withat least one of corresponding ones of said second and/or thirdsub-functional means and corresponding ones of said secondsub-functional means communicate with at least one of corresponding onesof said first and/or third sub-functional means; first spare functionalmeans for replacing inoperable sub-functional means and including Xsub-functional means for performing sub-functions, wherein X is greaterthan or equal to one and wherein said X sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means are functionally interchangeable withcorresponding sub-functional means of said M functional means; and aplurality of switching means for replacing at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said M functional means withat least one of said X sub-functional means when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional means of said M functionalmeans is inoperable, wherein at least one of said switching meansincludes first and second switches that both receive an input and thatselectively output said input based on first and second control signals,respectively.
 63. The self-reparable semiconductor of claim 62 whereinsaid input is an output signal from one of sub-functional means and apad of said self-reparable semiconductor.
 64. A self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: M functional means for performing a functioneach including first, second, and third sub-functional means forperforming first, second and third sub-functions, wherein each of said Mfunctional means perform the same function, wherein M is greater than orequal to 1, wherein each corresponding ones of said first, second, andthird sub-functional means perform the same function, and whereincorresponding ones of said first sub-functional means communicate withat least one of corresponding ones of said second and/or thirdsub-functional means and corresponding ones of said secondsub-functional means communicate with at least one of corresponding onesof said first and/or third sub-functional means; first spare functionalmeans for replacing inoperable sub-functional means and including Xsub-functional means for performing sub-functions, wherein X is greaterthan or equal to one and wherein said X sub-functional means of saidfirst spare functional means are functionally interchangeable withcorresponding sub-functional means of said M functional means; and aplurality of switching means for replacing at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional means of said M functional means withat least one of said X sub-functional means when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional means of said M functionalmeans is inoperable, wherein said plurality of switching means includeat least one of analog and digital switches, wherein said analogswitches are current-based.
 65. A method for operating a self-reparablesemiconductor, comprising: providing a first functional unit includingfirst, second, and third sub-functional units that cooperate to performa first function, wherein said first sub-functional unit communicateswith said second sub-functional unit over a first signal oath andcommunicates with said third sub-functional units over a second signalpath that passes through said second sub-functional unit; providing afirst spare functional unit including first, second, and thirdsub-functional units, and wherein said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first functional unit and said first sparefunctional unit, respectively, are functionally interchangeable; andreplacing at least one of said first, second, and third sub-functionalunits of said first functional unit with at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional units of said first spare functionalunit when said at least one of said first, second, and thirdsub-functional units of said first functional unit is inoperable. 66.The method of claim 65 further comprising: identifying at least oneinoperable sub-functional unit; and generating configuration data toreplace said at least one inoperable sub-functional unit.
 67. The methodof claim 66 further comprising storing said configuration data on saidself-reparable semiconductor.
 68. The method of claim 65 furthercomprising laying out said first functional unit and said first sparefunctional unit in one of columns and rows on said self-reparablesemiconductor and said first, second, and third sub-functional units ofsaid first functional unit and said first spare functional unit in theother of columns and rows.
 69. The method of claim 65 furthercomprising: providing a second functional unit that includes first,second, and third sub-functional units, wherein said first, second, andthird sub-functional units of said first and second functional units,respectively, are functionally interchangeable; and locating said firstspare functional unit one of between said first and second functionalunits and adjacent to one of said first and said second functionalunits.
 70. The method of claim 69 further comprising laying out saidfirst, second, and first spare functional units in one of columns androws on said self-reparable semiconductor and said first, second, andthird sub-functional units of said first, second, and first sparefunctional units in the other of columns and rows.
 71. The method ofclaim 65 further comprising routing signals that are communicatedbetween said first and third sub-functional units of at least one ofsaid first functional unit and said first spare functional unit throughsaid second sub-functional unit of said at least one of said firstfunctional unit and/or said first spare functional unit.
 72. A methodfor operating a self-reparable semiconductor, comprising: providing Mfunctional units each including first, second, and third sub-functionalunits, wherein each of said M functional units perform the samefunction, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1, wherein eachcorresponding ones of said first, second, and third sub-functional unitsperform the same function, and wherein corresponding ones of said firstsub-functional units communicate with corresponding ones of said secondsub-functional units over respective first signal paths and communicatewith corresponding ones of said third sub-functional units overrespective second signal paths that pass through said secondsub-functional units; providing a first spare functional unit includingX sub-functional units, wherein X is greater than or equal to one andwherein said X sub-functional units of said first spare functional unitare functionally interchangeable with corresponding sub-functional unitsof said M functional units; and replacing at least one of said first,second, and third sub-functional units of said M functional units withat least one of said X sub-functional units when said at least one ofsaid first, second, and third sub-functional units of said M functionalunits is inoperable.
 73. The method of claim 72 further comprising:identifying at least one inoperable sub-functional unit on saidself-reparable semiconductor; and generating configuration data toreplace said at least one inoperable sub-functional unit.
 74. The methodof claim 72 further comprising locating said first spare functional unitone of between two of said M functional units, adjacent only to a firstof said M functional units, and adjacent only to an M^(th) of said Mfunctional units.
 75. The method of claim 72 further comprising layingout said M functional units and said first spare functional unit in oneof columns and rows on said self-reparable semiconductor and said first,second, and third sub-functional units of said M functional units andsaid X sub-functional units of said first spare functional unit in theother of columns and rows.
 76. The method of claim 72 further comprisingrouting signals that are communicated between said first and thirdsub-functional units of said M functional units through said secondsub-functional unit of said M functional units.